Field Organizing Manager

ABOUT COGO:

Center for Oil and Gas Organizing (COGO) is a new initiative working to increase accountability of federal agencies that oversee oil and gas infrastructure and to strengthen frontline and grassroots influence on those agencies. 

COGO is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. 

THE ROLE:

The Biden Administration recently paused new Department of Energy (DOE) approvals for liquified natural gas (LNG) terminals until they can reassess their impacts. It will be critical this year to demonstrate support for the Pause and to turn it into a Ban. 

COGO seeks a Field Organizing Manager to create and execute organizing and powerbuilding strategies that demonstrate support for the Pause. The Field Manager will focus on the state of Pennsylvania (PA) and will work in partnership with COGO colleagues executing this work in other key states.

LOCATION: 

Remote with a preference for candidates based in PA or Washington DC. Occasional travel may be required within the United States. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Field Organizing Manager will work with the Executive Director, Sr. Organizing Director, Strategy and Partnerships Director and partners to help set the strategic direction for organizing a field program around the DoE Pause in PA. 

Pennsylvania Program 

• Cultivate relationships with PA coalition partners and community leaders.
• Co-create and implement a statewide regranting and field program in PA. 
• Work to identify critical PA messengers across core constituency groups. 
• Develop advocacy and communications opportunities for PA partners in the months leading up to the DOE Comment period (anticipated late 2024/early 2025).
• Hold regular check-ins with partners and grantees to assess status and capacity to contribute to a comment period push along other core tactics where their voice could be valuable. Manage regrant scope and terms. 
• Facilitate clear communication channels between PA Partners and COGO/Press partners.
• Work with partners to identify, develop, and implement new strategies to connect the gas export issue with other related issues in state all while beating back oil and gas industry narratives. 
• Work closely with the Strategy and Partnerships Director as point staff in MI and PA.

COGO Responsibilities

• Support organization-wide activities including but not limited to fundraising and campaign events.
• Represent the organization in public fora as required.
• Provide facilitation support as needed on non-PA calls. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• At least 4 years experience leading or developing strategy on campaigns that achieve real world outcomes, preferably on climate change, environmental justice or civic engagement issues in Pennsylvania.
• Experience working with organizations in oil and gas or other frontline fossil fuel communities is a significant advantage. This can include unpaid, grassroots or lived experience.
• Deep, demonstrated respect for grassroots leadership and a keen understanding of how people can be organized to create change and accomplish policy objectives.
• Strong facilitation skills and a clear understanding of how power and privilege shape coalitions, meetings and decision-making processes.
• In conjunction with partners, the ability to create, implement and drive advocacy and campaign strategies.
• Skillful team-oriented communicator – transparent, accountable, ready to navigate high-intensity situations and fast-paced decision-making with courage and care.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and commitments efficiently and professionally, with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; proven ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders. 
• Humility, a willingness to learn and a sense of humor.